The government has revealed widespread fraud within Kenya’s Labour mobility and overseas jobs programme, with 390 cases currently under investigation, following complaints from members of the public.
Findings from an investigation into allegations by a multiagency task force formed in July last year show that 15 case files had been completed and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and approval to prosecute.
Also, 116 of the cases involved travel agents with several individuals and companies implicated in the fraud not registered with the National Employment Authority (NEA) or the Business Registration Service (BRS).
The Taskforce comprises the Attorney General’s Office, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Several suspects are already facing charges, including: Brian Reeves Obare, charged with obtaining money by false pretence and Pondi Collins of Zian Travel Agency, David Mwiti Konyanga, and Obonyo Edwin Omondi.
The findings show some of the victims have also been refunded. They include Nachors Mutua Mwendwa and Bonface Maina Mugo who were reimbursed by Cyprian Mwanzia and Janet Wanjiku Mwangi respectively.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection revealed that two agencies: Freemart and Vintmark had obtained court conservatory orders, temporarily halting their prosecution.
The former agency is linked to Bonaya Nyamwaga while the latter associated with Catherine Wairimu Mugo, Kingori, and Caroline Wanja Mureithi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is also probing misuse of youth fund monies, involving funds issued to Zawadi Jobs Abroad Limited, Briven International and Taushi Tours and Travel.
CS Alfred Mutua said summons had already been issued to Vincent Omondi Oyugi and Rachael Njoki Kariuki, who are alleged to have misappropriated KSh 18 million in Youth Fund money.
The Ministry has consequently, issued a strong warning to Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to avoid unregistered and unscrupulous agents, verify agencies and job listings on the NEA website and travel strictly on an employment visa, not a tourist visa.
Kenyans have also been asked not to send money to personal phone numbers, always insisting on a written agreement and official receipt before making payments.
“Only agents registered by NEA are authorized to conduct labour mobility services,” CS Mutua said.
The government says investigations are ongoing and more arrests and prosecutions are expected as authorities intensify efforts to protect Kenyans from labour migration scams.
The Ministry says some 538, 000 Kenyans had traveled abroad for work since 2022 with the number expected to rise to 1 million in a year’s time.
“Currently, 450-500 people depart daily for overseas employment”.
